Leadership Development in Saudi Arabia: Expanding Capabilities for National Economic Development

Leadership Development in Saudi Arabia offers a comprehensive examination of the role of leadership development in expanding capabilities for national economic development, accelerating realization of the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, the country’s blueprint for socioeconomic transformation.Based on nine case studies of leading Saudi companies, this book explores how and why firms invest in leadership development and assesses its current state in Saudi Arabia. It provides insights into both organizational talent-building and the country's journey toward economic diversification. The book stands out as one of the first contextually rich in-depth studies of leadership development in a non-Western context, particularly within the ambitious framework of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Through interviews with senior executives and leadership professionals, the book provides actionable recommendations for improving leadership development practices.Readers will benefit from detailed case studies and empirical data that highlight how leadership programs can drive business growth and national economic progress. It is essential reading for academics, leadership development professionals, policymakers, and business leaders interested in understanding how leadership development supports economic growth in Saudi Arabia and how it might play an even bigger role in the future. It proposes developing fresh approaches to widening the pool of leadership talent, building on the distinctive strengths of Islamic Leadership practices.

About the Author

Fahad F.H. Alanazi is a Lecturer at the Gulf College School of Business, Saudi Arabia.

Charles Harvey is a Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Research on Wealth, Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy at Newcastle University Business School, UK.

Tom McGovern is a Professor of Business History and Management at Newcastle University Business School, UK.

Mairi Maclean is a Professor of International Business and Associate Dean for Faculty in the School of Management, University of Bath, UK.